Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 20 Ava: Paranoia and Secrets (I)

The bell above the door jingles, signaling another customer's arrival at The Novel Grind. I glance up from where I'm restocking the pastry case and feel a smile tugging at my lips. It's become such a familiar routine these past four months—the steady flow of customers, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the scent of old books, the comfortable chatter filling the cozy space.

I nod in acknowledgment, my hands continuing their task of arranging the muffins and scones just so. This place has become more than just a job to me; it's a sanctuary, a haven where I can breathe easy and simply exist without the weight of expectations bearing down on me.

As I work, my mind wanders to the evening ahead. It's been two weeks since Franklin and his wife, Emily, last had me over for dinner. I'm looking forward to the home-cooked meal and easy conversation, a stark contrast to the strained silences and disapproving glances that used to fill my family dinners back home.

A pang of guilt tugs at my heart, but I quickly push it away. This is my life now, the life I've chosen, and I won't let the ghosts of the past haunt me anymore.

"Here you go, dear," Mrs. Elkins says, placing a steaming cup of coffee on the counter in front of me. "Don't forget, you've got that class this afternoon."

I nod, gratefully accepting the mug and taking a sip of the rich, robust brew. The summer course I've signed up for—Introduction to Literature—is a small step, but it's a step in the right direction. With my limited savings, I can only afford one class this summer semester, but I'm determined to make the most of it.

As the morning rush begins to taper off, I take a moment to simply breathe and appreciate the quiet moments in between. This is my life now, a life of my own making, and for the first time in as long as I can remember, I feel a sense of peace settling over me.

I glance up from shelving a stack of paperbacks, my gaze instinctively drawn to the two men seated at one of the corner tables. Their murmured conversation drifts through the quiet hum of the café, and a chill races down my spine as I catch the unmistakable scent of shifters.

not sure how I

sliding books into their designated

into his coffee cup.

memory, one I swiftly smother before

fathom why our alpha is so hellbent on finding that Blackwood girl," the other man scoffs. "She's

hastily gather the scattered pages. That Blackwood girl—they

throat, but I force it down, reminding myself to breathe. No one knows where I am, not really. I'm safe here, anonymous and unassuming, just another face in

* * *

can't seem to shake the nagging sense of unease that's been clinging to me ever since overhearing those shifters at the

a sea of bodies, students rushing to their next class

I can't stifle the startled scream that tears from my throat. My textbook thuds as it

A man's voice, laced with concern, cuts through the haze of panic clouding my mind. "I didn't

from my body as I take in his unassuming appearance—a slightly rumpled button-down shirt, a warm, disarming smile, and eyes that hold

He's human.